MD/MBA Dual Degree

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Medicine and the UAB Collat School of Business have partnered to offer a dual MD/MBA degree in medicine and management to high-achieving healthcare leaders. A dual MD/MBA degree can open opportunities for physicians and lead to greater management responsibilities within their organizations.

Why a MBA?

The industry is increasingly characterized by uncertainty and ambiguity. Combining a business degree with a medical degree can help future healthcare leaders learn to manage through rapid change and traverse the uncertainties of management with flexibility. Students who choose the MD/MBA option often plan careers with both clinical and administrative responsibilities. MD/MBA holders can operate their clinics more efficiently, manage a healthcare organization, head a research project, or advocate for their patients and work to improve the healthcare system. Students successfully completing the program will understand how to use innovation and strategic thinking to solve healthcare problems. They will become fluent in the languages of medicine and business, putting them on the fast track to career advancement.

Why UAB MBA?

The UAB Collat School of Business offers a world-class business education in the heart of Alabama’s economic center and is fully accredited by AACSB International, the most prestigious accrediting agency for business education in the world. Students have unfettered access to Birmingham’s business elite, who provide real-world instruction in applying theoretical learning to actual business situations. Additionally, UAB’s MBA faculty include some of the most sought-after thought leaders in their fields, those pushing the boundaries with topical, practical research that goes beyond the “why” to also ask “what if”. The school’s location near downtown Birmingham provides endless opportunities to infuse experiential learning into the traditional classroom experience.

Program Specifics

The dual degree is a unique offering designed specifically for busy medical professionals. Structured around the MD curricula, the dual program includes a concierge approach by sequencing and integrating the MBA requirements to fit within the medical program. As a UAB School of Medicine student, all dual degree participants will receive a wide array of added benefits, including:

Automatic MBA course registration

Professional Development Seminars

Access to faculty mentors

On-site tutoring

Opportunities for hands-on learning

Program Structure

The program is an integrative, four-year degree which combines 10 business courses (30 semester hours) with the MD curricula. Students start their business classes the summer before medical school. The remaining courses are offered at key times after the second year of classes and after finishing the USMLE Step 1 exam.

Degree plans are also available for those students who decide to pursue the MBA after beginning their MD courses.

Application Process

Students interested in pursuing the dual MD/MBA degree must complete an application through the UAB Graduate School.. This application is in addition to that completed through AMCAS. The deadline for application for summer admission will follow the graduate school’s deadline of May 1st.

Required Documents

Completed application including:

Resume

Statement of purpose

Two references1

Test Scores (MCAT scores can be accepted in lieu of GMAT)

Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended2

1Students may use the same references as used for AMCAS application. 2Copies of transcripts submitted through AMCAS are sufficient for application review.

Students will meet with Collat School of Business faculty during their medical school interviews.

UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.